With that in mind, Lightning coach Jon Cooper insisted that Stamkos’ absence on Monday couldn’t be classified as a setback. Cooper added that Stamkos will still accompany the team on their upcoming road trip.

If all goes well, Stamkos will return to the Lightning’s lineup next week and serve Team Canada in the Olympics.

Hope Stammer and team Canada can be patient and make sure he can’t cause more damage by pushing his return. Its good that they are cautious, but 1 light contact practice to game shape next week might be a bit much to ask.

I’m sure you know more than his doctors, Tampa’s medical team and Team Canada’s medical team.

joey4id - Jan 28, 2014 at 9:15 AM

BTW, it’s possible the owners will cancel their player’s participation if the threat level increases, and there is no reason to think it won’t. it all comes down to how much risk are they willing to take. I hope their threat threshold is very low. Many experts suspect the risk of potential terror attacks is persistent.

joey4id - Jan 28, 2014 at 8:55 AM

flow33 is right! No one is rushing Stamkos to return. Think about it from a business perspective. He’s TB’s biggest asset right now, and his career and financial securty goes through TB before Sochi. TB will not risk it’s greatest asset, and put the future of the franchise at risk. No doubt he’s trying to prepare for Sochi, but time is not on his side.

With 6 games left before the Olympic break don’t be surprised if they announce a replacement in the next week. And that may very well be Martin St. Louis. Then his focus will change from being ready for the Olympics to being ready for Feb 27 vs Nashville.